Collectible Dolls
There are so many types of dolls in this world, and it's funny how like people, they mimic our diversity. They are made of different materials, with different styles, designs, and cultural backgrounds. More importantly, every doll has its own unique personality and aura. Once you find the doll that speaks to you, you will know it is the right one. That's why suggesting to buy one doll or another is completely futile. However, understanding about the different types available and how to judge a doll's value can be useful in one's quest to create the perfect collection.
For the newbie, this guide should help get you started. Where you go from here is up to your imagination and dedication. Remember that collecting should be fun and like any hobby, it takes time. Collections don't appear overnight. Take your time. Research. Love what you do, don't do it just because you think it will make a buck or two. Collecting may reap some monetary benefits in the future, but it's the love of the dolls that makes it worthwhile.
Major Doll Types
Collectible dolls 
are not just of the porcelain variety, despite their popularity. Collecting dolls can be geared towards antiques, porcelain dolls, mass-produced dolls, specialty dolls, or even to a particular make, theme, or production era. The point is to find what suits you. Here are the major types of dolls sorted by their material type. It may give you an idea of where you want to start your search, or simply narrow down to the areas you want to focus your collection on.
Doll Materials
From the pictures above you can probably discern a few familiar faces.
- Raggedy Ann and Andy are typically cloth style dolls. Another example is a worry doll.
- Madame Alexander is famed for composite dolls.
- Papier-mâché dolls are often delicate and represent an authentic cultural heritage.
- Porcelain and bisque (unglazed porcelain) dolls are often similar in style and may be hard to tell apart. Both are elegant and usually have elaborate costumes.
- Plastic dolls were typically manufactured during the mid-1900s. They are very hard and antique plastic dolls tend to be very fragile. Usually these dolls are larger too.
- Vinyl dolls are modern, mass-produced dolls. Typical brands that you might be familiar with are American Girl, Barbie, and Bratz. Baby dolls and other fashion dolls are also usually made of vinyl or a combination of vinyl and hard plastic. Don't forget Troll Dolls that some say are making a come back.
- Wooden dolls, such as Kachina dolls and Matryoshka dolls (nested Russian dolls) are typically ethnic. Others are made into puppets or common fairytale characters such as Pinocchio.
Antique or Contemporary?
All of these dolls, regardless of their composition will fall under a certain category, from antique to modern. How do you tell them apart?
- Remember that antique dolls are those made more than 75 years ago. Depending on their condition and the make, they may be more valuable or of equal value to modern dolls.
- Anything made more than 25 years ago is considered a "collectible," not to be confused with the general term that refers to collecting. Dolls from this period are sometimes referred to as vintage.
- Dolls made recently, in the past 25 years or so are considered modern, meaning that they are contemporary and are still in production.
- Dolls can be "one-of-a-kind" (OOAK), which are usually rare and highly valuable.
- Restored dolls are ones that have been doctored to fix broken limbs, missing eyes, hair or the original clothes.
Doll Value and Condition
Dolls are not simply worth more because they are older. To be worth something, a doll must be in good condition. It should be clean, in one piece, and not show any major visible flaws such as cracks, holes, etc. If you want a doll to be worth more, it should also be in its original condition and in the box, if possible. Dolls that need repair can undergo doll surgery to improve their looks, but it will not necessarily increase their value.
The doll's design, clothes, and accessories also play a part in the worth of the doll. The facial expression, the hair, the details on the construction and on the clothes are all important.
Lastly, the more popular and/or rare a doll is, the more it may be worth.
Famous Dolls
